The Potential of Advent

Dear Friends,

Our eyes continue to be fixed on the Holy Land. Dire times with war and suffering are seemingly inescapable. So far, we have not heard of devastation in Bethlehem, Nazareth, or Ain Karem (home of Elizabeth, Zachary and John the Baptist.)

The patriarchs of the Christian Churches centered in Jerusalem have asked their people to keep Advent and Christmas in spiritual ways only. Set aside the bright lights and festive air. Stay alert to the coming of God around them and in them.

In the Holy Land, where God came once in human history, the Divine leapt into our world, uniting with us so completely, that history itself was transformed. Some groups of people haven’t gotten the message yet or block their ears to it or are asleep. They raise their drawbridges against truth, grace, compassion and peace. We see the same violence in Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen -- other so called hot spots. The lion and the lamb have not reconciled in our times.

But Jesus says to us today, on this first Sunday of Advent, “Stay Awake!” We cannot be in Gaza or Ukraine. But we can be alert to, committed to healing, or at least not adding to the misery in the world. The servants in today’s Gospel were told to be about their work, to watch until the master came. The same message stirs in us. But what should we watch for?

Watch for opportunities to make our part of the world better.
Watch for temptation and put it in its place.
Watch for meaningful outcomes even when tragedy befalls.
Watch for truth as it unfolds and emerges in life.
Watch for ways and places to sprinkle love until it is absorbed into each person’s life.

“Lord, make us turn to You; Let us see Your face and we shall be saved,” we pray in today’s psalm.

Watchfulness is not easy, however fine our intentions. We miss seeing opportunity, temptation and truth for what they are, by our boredom, our limited horizons, our waning motivation and perceptions. We are sometimes so anxious that we cannot be our best selves.

If we recognize this time and place for what it is calling us to, we are in a place of rich spiritual growth. The important step is not to draw back from the potential of Advent even though the next steps are unclear.

As Advent begins today, let’s remember one thing -- God is faithful to us. God is awake to the joy and suffering in the world. God is alert to us. Should we be anything less?

~Sister Joan Sobala